WhatÕs hot in cool summertime drinks?
By Rebecca Huber
The Zephyr, Galesburg
According to more recent studies, Americans as a whole are
swigging fewer calorie-laden soft drinks and turning more to juice products
that claim health benefits. As a whole itÕs a good shift but be sure to read
the labels or you may just be replacing one high calorie drink for another.
Starting at the top of the list in body thirst quenchers —
water. Nothing, no sports drink, tea, fruit juice smoothie or other beverage
should replace water intake especially during these hotter dry summer days. If
you are still using tap water, why not switch to bottled water? There is
nothing like the pure taste of unadulterated non-chemicalized water. Spruce it
up with a spritz of lemon or lime if you like.
Once you have your water needs met, look for some of these drinks
to sooth and satisfy.
Fruit juice smoothies — fruit juice blended with yogurt or
skim milk can be very satisfying. Why not make your own rather than buying them
in the store? Prepared store smoothies are not only expensive watch out for
those made with ice cream, corn syrup or peanut butter — the calorie
count can go as high 300 calories per 6-8 ounce serving. To make a smoothie
blend ½ cup of low fat yogurt, skim milk, rice or soy milk with your
favorite fruits — one or several. If you freeze the fruit first it has
that wonderful creamy smooth soft texture and is very thirst quenching.
Energy drinks can improve concentration, reaction time and
endurance. Those that contain vitamins, amino acids and non-stimulating herbs
and no caffeine are best. Again watch out for high sugar content. One might be
better off to pass up the energy drink for a sports drink that has vitamins and
minerals and re-hydrates on a deep level.
Iced teas are also wonderful thirst busters. Stick with
non-caffeinated green teas or other favorites or try an herbal tea. Many herbal
teas are naturally sweet without all the sugars and give your body a vitamin
and mineral boost.
Meal replacement drinks like Slim-Fast, Yoplait and SnappleÕs new
line promise nourishing, low calorie options and work to replace a meal and
quench a thirst. However, they are higher in calories, artificial colors and
other unhealthy ingredients. These may leave you feeling more thirsty in the
end because the high protein content will kick in your bodyÕs need for water.
They are fine now and then, but are best not used on a regular basis.
Fruit juice drinks are usually too high in sweeteners to be
healthy or thirst quenching. Most are loaded with high fructose corn syrup.
Some exceptions are fresh squeezed orange or grapefruit juice and 100 percent
apple juice. Pay attention to portion size. A 4-6 ounce glass daily is
adequate.
The very best and most complete thirst
quencher? Water of course. Using water as your basic drink will keep cells
hydrated and your thirst at bay. Till next time, Rebecca.
8/9/07